Dubai: The 10km race turned out to be a glorious run for the UAE Athletics Federation, which has been striving hard to make a mark in international meets.
Betihem Belayneh Deslagn and Alia Saeed Mohammad, the UAE National team runners, clinched the first two positions respectively in the women's category.
"I want to bring more glory to the UAE in international events. This win will give me a boost to work harder for the Olympics," Deslagn told Gulf News.
These two promising athletes hail from Ethiopia but are being trained by the UAE Athletics Federation and are UAE passport holders.
Out of the top 10 finishers, five live and train in the UAE. Emma Philip of Abras Club finished fifth while Dubai Creek Striders' Anne Mari Hyrylainen clinched the sixth place and Jane Westley of Women's Health and Fitness ninth.
"It is nice to see women from the UAE doing well in the 10km race and it is rewarding to see Deslagn and Alia beating top runners to win honours for the UAE," said Ahmad Al Kamali, General Co-ordinator, who is also the president of the UAE Athletics Federation and the organiser of the 5km women's run. The next 5km women's run will be held on November 11.
Yousuf triumphs
All three 10km men's winners too train in the UAE. Ihya Bem Yousuf hails from Morocco but works for Critical National Infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. His compatriot Othmane Chaibi, who finished second, and Yassin Kedr Ebba from Ethiopia are employed here and regularly take part in half marathons in the UAE.
General Obaid Al Ketbi, Deputy Commander of Abu Dhabi Police, who completed the 10km with a time of 57 minutes, appealed to UAE nationals to come out and participate in large numbers.
"Running is healthy and I train every day from 6.30am. This is my second appearance here and I enjoy it."
